Cornish Nature

Dragonflies, images and studies of nature from near and afar

  • Increase font size
  • Default font size
  • Decrease font size
Cornish Nature Diary

Twenty-plume Moth - Alucita hexadactyla

Twenty-plume Moth

The Twenty-plume Moth - Alucita hexadactyla

My first photograph of any description in 2012 is this backlit Twenty-plume Moth - Alucita hexadactyla, photographed on the window at home in Godolphin Cross while I listened to Wolves loosing to a referee assisted Chelski, 1 - 2!

This very common little moth has a wingspan of around 15mm and is the only representative of it's family currently known from the UK. The adult moth can be found throughout the year, including January, hence it's appearance during this admittedly mild mid winter period.

Last Updated on Sunday, 08 January 2012 09:47
 

I got an Ergot!

Ergot on grass seed headI got an Ergot!

During an early evening walk around Trelusback Farm near Stithians, on Monday 29th August 2011, I came across a number of Common Blue Butterflies – Polyommatus icarus settling down to roost amongst the tall grasses that had sprung up where volunteers from the Cornwall Butterly Conservation group had worked hard to expand a clearing during the late winter & early spring of 2011.

This area had been cleared of gorse and willows to allow Purple Moor Grass - Molinia caerulea and Devil’s Bit Scabious - Succisa pratensis to flourish, these being the key elements of prime habitat in which the rare Marsh Fritillary – Euphydryas aurinia can thrive. Although it is too early to tell if the management work will ultimately be successful in it’s aims, the signs are good with both plant species doing well. The Common Blue’s were certainly making good use of the location and were obvious candidates for a photograph.

Last Updated on Saturday, 03 September 2011 20:03
 

Outdoor Photographer of the Year Shortlist

Outdoor photographer of the year 2010Red-veined Darter detail
Shortlist

Back in November I was delighted to be shortlisted as a possible category winner by Outdoor Photography in the Small World (macro) section of their first annual Outdoor Photographer of the Year awards. This was the first time I had entered a major competition and given that it attracted over 3000 images from 119 countries I was amazed that I made it to the final shortlist with this image of a male Red-veined Darter - Sympetrum fonscolombei adopting the obelisk position. Hopefully I can go one step further in the future! 
 

Last Updated on Thursday, 23 December 2010 21:28
 

Bitterns at Marazion Marsh

Bittern at Marazion Marsh

Bitterns at Marazion Marsh

On the 28th November 2010 the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Photographic Group had a field meeting at Sennen Cove. On the way down to Sennen David Chapman and I called in at Marazion Marsh. As soon as we went over to the viewing bay, set in the cornish hedge bounding the reserve on the seaward side, I was delighted to see my first ever Bittern!

I count myself as very fortunate to have the opportunity of photographing the Bittern out in the open and bathed in early morning light. Skating around on the ice the bird skirted the edge of the reed bed and was clearly visible for at least 15 minutes.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 23 August 2011 19:47
 

The Water Stick Insect in Cornwall

Water Stick Insect showing the beak detailThe Water Stick Insect - Ranatra linearis in Cornwall

Many of us are aware of Stick Insects with their inherent ability of merging twig like into their surroundings, indeed a number of species are now naturalized in Cornwall. However few people are aware of our aquatic resident the Water Stick Insect - Ranatra linearis, a spectacular, if elusive opportunist lurking in our freshwater pools, ready to pounce on their unsuspecting prey. 

Last Updated on Saturday, 06 November 2010 08:50
 
  • «
  •  Start 
  •  Prev 
  •  1 
  •  2 
  •  3 
  •  4 
  •  Next 
  •  End 
  • »


Page 1 of 4

Holidays and Fieldtrip anouncements.

Insects of Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, by Steve Jones on sale now!